What Can You Do If a Police Officer Causes an Accident?
Police officers are meant to protect and serve. Unfortunately, they’re sometimes just like other drivers – they make mistakes that cause car accidents. Speeding, distracted driving, and breaking roadway rules can all result in an officer causing a crash that leads to serious injuries or even deaths. If you find yourself the victim in such a situation in California, you could still qualify for financial compensation for your damages. Here’s how to navigate these special types of claims. Liljegren Law Group in San Diego, can help you if you have additional questions regarding a possible lawsuit. We offer free case evaluations and will not charge a fee unless we win, contact an experienced car accident attorney today.
Call 911 and Collect Information
In the beginning, treat your crash with a police officer just like any other auto accident. Whether the cop was on duty or not, call 911 and report the collision. Explain what you believe happened, giving a description of all vehicles involved and any injuries. Check the other driver and yourself for any injuries, requesting an ambulance if necessary. Gather as much information as you can about your crash right from the start. This includes the officer’s name, license plate number, photographs of both vehicles and the scene of the crash, and your police report number. Then, go to the hospital for your injuries and keep copies of your medical records.
Do Not Admit Fault
Be polite, but it is imperative that you don’t admit fault or apologize to the officer for the accident. The officer (or investigators later) could misconstrue your apology as an admission of guilt for the crash. Even if you believe it was your fault, don’t say so to the officer that crashed into you, the reporting police officer, or your insurance company. Instead, answer questions and stick to the facts of the case as you know them. Make sure to get your side of the story onto the police report. Let the police and insurance company decide on the question of fault after an investigation.
Immediately File Your Claim
Just because the at-fault driver is a police officer does not bar him or her from civil action. It is possible to file a personal injury claim against a distracted or negligent cop for causing your wreck. If you have any reason to suspect the officer’s negligence in causing your collision (distraction while looking at his/her computer, for example), contact an attorney to discuss your case. The odds are high that you could pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit against the at-fault officer.
Do not wait to file an injury claim against the at-fault driver. An accident with a police officer will involve the state as a defendant. Claims against public entities come with stricter deadlines and rules for filing that you must adhere to. In California, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim. In claims against the government, on the other hand, you have six months. Don’t risk losing your right to file due to the time-sensitive nature of these claims. File as soon as possible.
Work with an Attorney
Negotiating an insurance or personal injury claim against a police officer can understandably be difficult. The officer may face suspension or a citation for causing the crash and will likely do all he or she can to escape liability – even if that means blaming you for an accident you didn’t cause. A difficult case could take years to resolve without a good attorney. In the meantime, you’re paying for expensive medical bills, property damage, and legal fees – plus you may lose wages while you recover.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation at Liljegren Law Group
The right attorney can help you pay for your expenses while you focus on recovering from your injuries. He or she can also aggressively represent your case against a police officer, making sure no one takes advantage of you during the claims process. The sooner you consult with a car accident lawyer about your car crash, the better.